Seven Britons are among 26 people who have been arrested in Spain after an investigation by Spanish police into a suspected dope-trafficking ring

uncovered 700,000 doses of performance-enhancing drugs and counterfeit medicines as well as 10,000 vials of human growth hormone.

Spanish police said the Britons, who have not been named but are all believed to be residents of Marbella, were “leading members” of the alleged network. Some of the illegal substances were reportedly imported into Glasgow before being packed and distributed to Europe via Manchester.
Among others arrested was the director general of a cycling club where, according to police, several former European and world champions were members. Local media reports said the club were based in the Madrid area and that the man was arrested on suspicion of receiving a “significant amount” of the red blood cell-boosting drug EPO.
Other drugs seized in 19 property searches across Spain included anabolic steroids and substances not intended for the sporting market, including hundreds of thousands of counterfeit Viagra tablets. It was these that are alleged to have been sent through Glasgow and Manchester.
The drugs haul was estimated to have a street value in excess of £3 million. Some substances were veterinary treatments and presented serious health risks if taken by humans.
The investigation, code-named Operation Lady, also uncovered a secret laboratory in the attic of a house in Elche, Alicante, where growth hormone bought in bulk from China was allegedly being manufactured to be sold on the internet.